Kommando Tebo Initiative: Transforming Former Illegal Mining Sites into an Environmental Education Hub

Awareness of the importance of preserving nature continues to be championed by youth in Jambi Province. The Tebo Young Nature Community (Kommando), an environmental activist group, organised a series of educational activities titled ‘Protect Nature, Protect the Future’ at Rivera Park Ecotourism Area in Tebo Regency from Saturday (30/5) to Sunday (31/5). Supported fully by the Ministry of Environment and Rivera Park management, the event involved dozens of students from the Jambi Province State High School No. 2 Scout Movement. Beyond camping, participants engaged with environmental issues through seminars, tree planting, and river fish stocking. Kommando Chairman Pauzan Pitra stressed that the action reflects concern over increasingly neglected natural conditions, both nationally and locally in Jambi. He asserted that young people have a constitutional right to clean air and healthy rivers as spaces for learning and living. ‘A healthy environment is the source of life. If the nature we inherit is damaged, we have the right to speak out and demand its restoration. We do not wish to pass on this destruction to future generations,’ Pauzan stated. Similarly, Qurrota A’yun Nurramadhani, an Indonesian University civil engineering student and speaker at the event, warned that ecological disasters are a real threat to the future. A former student of Tebo State High School No. 2 who represented Indonesia at a UN climate meeting in Azerbaijan, she emphasised the importance of preserving what remains. The selection of Rivera Park as the event venue carries strong symbolic significance. Academic and freshwater fish researcher Tedjo Soekmono from Jambi University revealed the area is a tangible example of environmental recovery. Previously, the site was severely damaged by Illegal Gold Mining (PETI) activities. Research data presented showed significant positive trends in the river ecosystem. Besides physical parameters, the recovery of nature is marked by the return of rare fish species that had previously disappeared. Tedjo noted the presence of Aji-aji (Seriola), Julung-julung (Hemiramph idea), Seluang (Rasbora), and Keperas (Cyclocheili chthys apogon) which are now returning to the surrounding streams. Rivera Park Manager Pramono stated his commitment to continuing support for youth environmental initiatives. This was welcomed by the Scout Leader of Tebo State High School No. 2, Ari Pramono, who said the collaboration brings new dimensions to scouting activities. ‘This activity fosters critical thinking and creativity among students. In the future, such educational agendas will be expanded within scout community service activities,’ Ari concluded. (Z-1)